Preanalytical delay reduces sensitivity of QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube assay for detection of latent tuberculosis infection

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Aug;49(8):3061-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01136-11. Epub 2011 Jun 22.

Abstract

The effects of incubation delays on the accuracy of the QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube assay (QFT-GIT) were measured. Compared to immediate incubation, 6- and 12-hour delays resulted in positive-to-negative reversion rates of 19% (5/26) and 22% (5/23), respectively. These findings underscore the need for standardizing QFT-GIT preanalytical practices.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
  • Human Experimentation
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / methods
  • Latent Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors